Every community has that one spot—a place that gradually turns into a black spot, filled with garbage, ignored by all. We walk past it, complain about it, and expect someone else to fix it. But what if you could be the one to change it? What if, instead of waiting, you took action? 
That’s exactly what we did in Jagraon, a city in Punjab known for its Festival of Lights and as the hometown of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai Ji. And the good news? You can do it too! 
Here’s how you can lead a Garbage Spot-Fix in your community using the DISS (Discover, Investigate, Solve, Share) framework.
Step 1: Discover 
– Identify the Problem That No One Talks About
The first step is: Open your eyes to what’s being ignored.
- Find the neglected corners in your city—those that people walk past daily but never question.
- Observe what’s happening—Are people dumping waste? Urinating? Why is this happening?
- Ask yourself: What could this space become instead?
Insight from Jagraon:
"I saw a garbage heap near the Bus Stand that had become an open urination spot and an unchecked dumping ground. People walked past it every day, treating it as a no-man’s land—not my problem, someone else should clean it up. But seeing this at the very entry point of our city made me think—Is this how we welcome people to Jagraon? That realization pushed me to take responsibility and change the narrative.
Step 2: Investigate 
– Dig Deeper to Find the Root Cause
Cleaning is not enough if you don’t understand WHY a place gets dirty.
- Talk to the local people—What do they think?
- Find out who is responsible—Municipality? Shopkeepers? Nearby residents?
- Identify responsibility— Is there a designated sweeper or waste picker for this area?
- Look at habits—Do people dump trash because there are no bins? Do they urinate there because there’s no toilet?
Insight from Jagraon:
We spoke to locals and uncovered some key insights:
- Lack of ownership – Everyone saw it as someone else’s problem, so no one stepped in to stop it.
- No designated sweeper or waste picker assigned by the local authority, leading shopkeepers to dispose of trash here.
- Shopkeepers were the primary contributors to the waste pile.
- A pattern of behavior was forming – People started seeing this spot as a dumping ground and an open urination zone.
These findings made it clear: If we didn’t take action, this cycle would continue.
Step 3: Solve💡– Take Action & Create Change
Now comes the real work: Fixing the problem, step by step.
What You Need for a Successful Spot-Fix:
- Protective gear—Gloves, masks, garbage bags for safe cleaning.
- Cleaning tools—Brooms, shovels to remove waste effectively.
- Awareness materials—Paint, banners, and signs to prevent future dumping.
- Waste disposal plan—Coordinate with the municipality for proper waste collection.
- Additional supplies—Any other materials needed based on the site condition.
- Most importantly, a team of action-takers!
What We Did in Jagraon:
- Mobilized a strong team—Students, youth leaders, and digital influencers came together for action.
- Secured municipality support—They assisted in clearing the collected waste.
- Transformed the space—Removed the garbage, leveled the ground with sand, and beautified it with paintings so it could be used as a parking area for two-wheelers.
- Led by example in sustainability—Hosted a plastic-free tea langar, proving that community events can be zero-waste.
Lesson: Cleanup is easy. Keeping it clean is the real challenge. You need infrastructure + behavior change.
After the Action: A Transformed Space!
Step 4: Share 
– Keep the Impact Alive!
The biggest mistake? Thinking the job is done after one cleanup. The reality? If you don’t follow up, the garbage WILL return.
How to ensure long-term impact:
- Regular Follow-Ups – Visit the spot every week, check for new waste.
- Community Involvement – Get shopkeepers & residents to take ownership.
- Awareness Messaging – Install bold, creative signs if required to remind people.
What We Saw in Jagraon (1 month Later!):
- The spot was STILL CLEAN.
- People started using it as a parking area.
-
2-3 Shopkeepers now see it as a shared responsibility!
Why This Matters: More Than Just a Cleanup
This is NOT just about cleaning garbage. It’s about:
- Changing the mindset—Waste is everyone’s responsibility, not just the government’s.
- Self-transformation—I was once afraid to take action. Now I know change starts with me.
Want to Take Action? Here’s How You Can Get Started!
- Identify a blackspot or garbage spot in your area.
- Apply the DISS method.
- Gather volunteers & execute the cleanup.
- Follow up and ensure sustainability.
- Share your experience & inspire others!
Don’t hestitate to reach out for support or ask questions here
Need Mentorship or Support?
If you’re ready to lead a cleanup but need guidance, reach out at bharatbansal@reapbenefit.org or WhatsApp at 8792965803!
What’s on Your Mind?
After reading this, you might have thoughts that comes to you. Share them here—let’s discuss, collaborate, and take action together! 
Painting the wall together was a highlight, fostering creativity and unity. During the 
chai langar, we had heartfelt conversations with the citizens of Jagraon, deepening our community connection. The warmth and blessings we received were uplifting, and their positive responses reinforced the impact of our efforts. 
